Tell me more ×
Geographic Information Systems Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for cartographers, geographers and GIS professionals. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

Here is what I have so far...

import arcpy

import arcpy.mapping as map

mxd = map.MapDocument()

mxd.save()

And yes I know that map.MapDocument requires an argument, but I want it to automatically select the currently open mxd, and overwrite it. If I can't get it to select the currently open mxd I can use:

> import arcpy
> 
> import arcpy.mapping as map
> 
> mxd = map.MapDocument(C:\GIS\Untitled.mxd)
> 
> mxd.save()

But I would still like it to overwrite the mxd with the changes I just made to it in arcmap. Think of it like the save button except scripted. Any help is greatly appreciated.

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Your path should look like this, using arcpy.mapping.MapDocument and surround your path with double quotes and double up your back slash:

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("C:\\GIS\\Untitled.mxd")

or

Use string literal:

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r"c:\Temp\MXDs")

or

Add double quotes and change out backslash to forward slash:

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("C:/GIS/Untitled.mxd")

If you only have one map document open you can define current map as:

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
share|improve this answer
Can you set: mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("C:/GIS/Untitled.mxd"); open the mxd in arcmap; make changes; and save via mxd.save() ? – gm70560 May 1 at 16:56
Thanks bud, The "CURRENT" option solved my problem – J-roc May 1 at 17:26

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.